2 Chronicles 25:13

Meanwhile the troops that Amaziah had dismissed from battle raided the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon. They struck down 3,000 people and carried off a great deal of plunder.

Study Bible

Meanwhile the troops
This phrase sets the stage for a simultaneous event occurring alongside Amaziah's military campaign. The Hebrew word for "troops" here is "חֵיל" (cheil), which often refers to a force or army. Historically, this indicates a group of soldiers who were initially prepared for battle but were dismissed. The context suggests a sense of restlessness and potential for disorder when disciplined forces are left without purpose.

that Amaziah had sent back
Amaziah, the king of Judah, had initially hired these troops from Israel but later sent them back, as recorded earlier in the chapter. The Hebrew root "שׁוּב" (shuv) means to return or turn back. This decision was influenced by a prophetic warning, emphasizing the importance of obedience to God over reliance on human strength. It highlights a recurring biblical theme: trust in divine guidance over worldly alliances.

from fighting with him
The phrase underscores the initial intention for these troops to join Amaziah in battle. The Hebrew word "לַמִּלְחָמָה" (lammilchamah) means "for the battle." This context reveals the tension between human plans and divine intervention. Amaziah's decision to send them back, despite their readiness, reflects a moment of spiritual discernment and obedience.

raided the cities of Judah
The Hebrew word "פָּשַׁט" (pashat) means to raid or plunder. This action by the dismissed troops indicates a breach of trust and loyalty, leading to violence against their own kin. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobedience and the chaos that ensues when God's commands are not fully embraced.

from Samaria to Beth-horon
This geographical reference spans a significant area, indicating the extent of the raid. Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, and Beth-horon, a strategic location in Judah, mark the boundaries of the incursion. Historically, this reflects the political and territorial tensions between Israel and Judah, exacerbated by internal strife and disobedience.

struck down three thousand people
The phrase conveys the severity of the raid's impact. The Hebrew verb "הִכָּה" (hikah) means to strike or smite, often used in contexts of divine judgment or warfare. The loss of three thousand lives underscores the tragic consequences of Amaziah's initial decision to hire foreign troops, highlighting the cost of disobedience and misplaced trust.

and carried off a great deal of plunder
The Hebrew word "בִּזָּה" (bizzah) refers to spoil or loot taken in war. This act of plundering not only represents material loss but also a deeper spiritual and moral decline. It serves as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly wealth and the importance of seeking treasures that align with God's will.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Amaziah
King of Judah who initially hired mercenaries from Israel but later sent them back, leading to their anger and subsequent actions.

2. Troops from Israel
Mercenaries hired by Amaziah, who were dismissed and retaliated by raiding Judah.

3. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, ruled by Amaziah, and the region affected by the raids.

4. Samaria
A city in the northern kingdom of Israel, mentioned as a point of reference for the raids.

5. Beth-horon
A town in the territory of Ephraim, part of the path of the raiding troops.

Teaching Points

Obedience to God’s Guidance
Amaziah's decision to send back the troops was in obedience to a prophetic warning. This highlights the importance of heeding God's guidance, even when it seems counterintuitive or costly.

Consequences of Disobedience
The raid by the dismissed troops serves as a reminder that disobedience and poor decisions can have far-reaching and unintended consequences.

Trust in God Over Human Strength
Amaziah initially relied on human strength by hiring additional troops. This teaches us to place our trust in God rather than in human resources or strategies.

The Cost of Pride
Amaziah's actions can be seen as prideful, leading to unnecessary conflict and loss. Pride can blind us to God's will and result in negative outcomes.

The Impact of Leadership Decisions
Leaders' decisions can have significant impacts on their people. This underscores the responsibility of leaders to seek God's wisdom in their choices.

Bible Study Questions

1. What can we learn from Amaziah's decision to dismiss the troops, and how does it apply to making difficult decisions in our own lives?

2. How does the raid by the dismissed troops illustrate the consequences of disobedience, and what other biblical examples can you think of that show similar outcomes?

3. In what ways can we ensure that we are placing our trust in God rather than in human strength or resources?

4. How does pride affect our relationship with God, and what steps can we take to cultivate humility in our daily walk?

5. What lessons can leaders today learn from Amaziah's account about the impact of their decisions on those they lead?

Connections to Other Scriptures

2 Kings 14:7-14
Provides a parallel account of Amaziah's reign and his military actions, offering additional context to the events in 2 Chronicles 25.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
Highlights the importance of obedience over sacrifice, relevant to Amaziah's decision to dismiss the troops.

Proverbs 16:18
Discusses pride leading to destruction, which can be related to Amaziah's actions and their consequences.